'Sherlock' Series 3 Returns To American Airwaves Jan. 19

According to an Entertainment Weekly exclusive, “Sherlock” is set to return to American airwaves on PBS Jan. 19, 2014, at 10 p.m. after being off the air for two years. The British drama’s airdate is still unknown, but because the BBC has “first window” rights to air “Sherlock,” series 3 will likely premier in the show's home country at least a week before it hits America.

“We are hugely excited about this next series of “Sherlock,” and have worked closely with our partners, “Masterpiece” and PBS, to bring these episodes to U.S. audiences in January. We promise our fans that Season 3 is worth waiting for,” executive producer Sue Vertue said in a statement.

Rebecca Eaton, executive producer of PBS’ “Masterpiece,” told EW that “Sherlock” series 3 is the show’s high point.

“They’re fantastic,” she said of the new episodes. “They are jaw dropping. They are like small movies. Benedict and Martin are so in their Sherlock-Watson groove. They are so comfortable with that relationship it’s like being in the room with them.”

“Sherlock” has been stuck on a cliffhanger since series 2 ended in January 2012, when “The Reichenbatch Fall” [Spoiler Alert] featured Sherlock seemingly falling to his death from a tall building, though he was later revealed to be alive. In the series 3 premier, “The Empty Hearse,” Sherlock’s inexplicable survival will finally be revealed.

At the San Diego Comic-Con this year, “Sherlock” co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss promised fans that Sherlock’s survival would have “a rational explanation.”